EDUCATION
Education in Northumberland is run by the Education Committee of Northumberland
County Council and is funded mainly through the Central Government Rate Support
Grant.
The main change in education since 1970 was the introduction of the Comprehensive
three tier system in the mid 1970's. This change took place at Belford in September
1976, making it one of the last schools in the county to adopt the system.
Normal schooling now begins at Belford First School for 5-9 year olds. The
children then move to Belford Middle School until the age of 13 years. The next
stage is on to High School education. Pupils residing north of Belford attend
Berwick High School and those residing south of Belford attend Duchess's High
School in Alnwick. Pupils actually living in Belford may attend either school,
but if electing to attend the Duchess's High School, then their parents must pay
the whole of their travelling expenses. This anomaly has been the source of controversy
amongst Belford's parents who consider themselves the subject of great discrimination
compared with other areas.
Since 1970 Belford Middle School has fought off three possible closure threats.
These threats were caused by falling rolls due to population changes where less
manpower was needed in agricultural and allied industries. There was also a desire
by the County Council to cut costs and concentrate education in larger units.
At one stage in 1980, the number on the roll dropped to about 60. Since then
the numbers have crept up until they are over 90 today.
Belford County First School
Board of Governors:
Mr P. Brown, Chairman
Mr R. Williamson, Vice Chairman
Mr D. O'Connor
Mr P. Hutchinson, Parent Governor
Mrs J. Reed
Mrs Y. Steward, Teacher Governor
Mr L. Robson
Mr A. Fields, Parent Governor
103 Children were on the roll in 1995
Teaching Staff:
Mr D. Pirt, Head Teacher
Mrs C. Green, Deputy Head Teacher
Mrs Y. Steward
Mrs S.Cochrane, Reception Class
Mrs L. Hutchinson, Long Term Supply Teacher
Miss S. Charlton
At the end of the Summer term, Mrs Cochrane left to take up a new appointment.
She was replaced by Miss Charlton. During most of the Summer and Autumn terms,
the Head Teacher, Mr D. Pirt, was absent through an illness which led to his early
retirement in early 1996. In his absence Mrs C. Green was appointed Acting Head
Teacher.
Other Staff:
Canteen:
Mrs A. Turnbull, Cook
Mrs J. Carr, Assistant
Mrs J. Scott, Assistant Part Time
Lunch Helpers, Mrs W. Filer
Mrs M. Gordon
Mrs B. Turnbull
Caretakers: Mrs F. Nesbitt, Mrs S. Owens
Secretary: Mrs H. Braidford
Highlights from the past 25 years
September 1975
Partial Hearing Unit opened for children with hearing difficulties in North
Northumberland. Over the years children have attended from Eyemouth, Alnham, Wooler
and Longhoughton.
First Teacher, Miss Maureen Jordan (1975-1984).
September 1976
Became First School from Primary School. Pupils, aged 9 years and over, to
attend Belford Middle School.
July 1987
Head Teacher, Mr George Thompson retired. Mrs Brenda Phillips was appointed
in his place but unfortunately died in November of that year.
April 1988
Mr Don Pirt was appointed as Head Teacher.
May 1990
The school celebrated its 50th Anniversary. On 14th May a party was held
and a get together for past pupils to revive memories. Displays were put on in
each classroom of each decade since opening. Various photographs and memorabilia
were enjoyed by many visitors. Former Heads, Mr J. Houston and Mr G. Thompson
attended.
Special Events in 1995
February
Class 3 Bring and Buy Sale for Blue Peter Well Water Appeal - £126 raised.
March
A portable Planetarium was brought to the school.
May 8th
School closed for VE day celebrations.
June
Visits to Maltings at Berwick for drama games, KWIK cricket coaching.
July
Outings to Seahouses and Bamburgh for classes 1 & 2
Outings to Beamish Museum for classes 3 & 4
Children joined in pavement art during Belford Carnival Sports Day
September
Harvest festival in aid of a Day Hospice.
December
Christmas Play "The Smallest Angel"
School attended pantomime "Ali Baba" at the Maltings
Belford County Middle School
Board of Governors:
Mrs M. Barber, Chairman
Mr D. Smibert, Vice Chairman
Mrs C. Darling, Mr S. Breckons
Mr I. Simpson, Mr R. Dodds
Dr P. Gill
Teaching Staff:
Mr M. Henry, Head English
Ms H. Westcott, Deputy Head General Subjects
Mrs J. Turnbull, General Subjects, Maths and P.E.
Mrs M. Armstrong, General Subjects and Technology
Mrs R. McHugh, General, French, Art and Dance.
Mr S. Breckons, Science and Technology
Mr I. Simpson, Physical Education
Mrs A. Hilton, Special Needs and English
Mrs E. Breckons, Music
Mr Simpson also has responsibility for Adult Association evening classes,
Youth Club work at Belford and Seahouses and Beal Expedition Centre.
Mrs A. Fleming attends the school on Fridays each week for Religious Education.
Mrs E. Breckons takes Music on two half-days each week.
Mrs A. Hilton takes a special interest in the newly opened library.
Canteen Staff:
Mrs May Locke, Cook Mrs Carol Dixon and Mrs Audrey Thompson, Assistants Mrs
Margaret Sim, Dinner helper
The charge for a school dinner is £1.15
Caretakers:
Mr Les Carr and Mrs June Carr
School Secretary:
Mrs Hazel Braidford
The grounds and playing fields are now cared for by Northumberland Contracting,
an offshoot of Northumberland County Council. Mr Michael Tully is the usual operative.
The new school library was opened in 1995 by the author Andrew Matthews.
During 1995 there were three visits, each lasting one week:
Year 6 went to Ford Castle;
Year 7 went to Deneholme in Allendale;
Year 8 went to High Borrans in the Lake District.
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